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James Maddison has opened up on his struggles after finding out he would miss almost every game in Tottenham’s 2025/26 season.

The Tottenham attacking midfielder ruptured his ACL during Spurs’ pre-season game in South Korea against Newcastle, which proved to be Heung-min Son’s farewell game.

Maddison was in tears as he was stretchered off the pitch, which suggested that he immediately knew that it was an ACL injury.

It was reported soon after the injury that the Tottenham midfielder is unlikely to play again this season, and the 29-year-old has now confessed that his fate was hard for him to accept.

James Maddison admits he struggled mentally after the Tottenham injury

The former Leicester man is now in his prime years as a footballer, and he admits that it was not easy to have one year completely taken away from him.

Maddison has shed light on how lost he felt for a few days as a result of not being able to do the one thing he has dedicated his life to: playing football.

Speaking to ITV News, the Tottenham star said about his injury: It’s taking away the thing that you love, the thing that drives you. I was put on this earth to play football.

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“You do feel a bit lost, and a bit stuck… it definitely takes its toll, there’s some dark time. I’ve had some days where I haven’t wanted to get out of bed, but the drive and the motivation of seeing myself back playing make me get up and get after it.”

Maddison also suggested that more footballers should not shy away from talking about their mental struggles, which can be extreme since they are always in the limelight.

He pointed out that opening up about the mental challenges is the first step to getting the help necessary for the players to overcome them.

When asked if top players talked enough about mental health, Maddison responded: “Probably not. It’s difficult for footballers, especially these days. You’re judged on everything. If you talk too much, you get told off for that; if you don’t talk enough, you’re told you should talk more.

“People are talking more… We’ve got to do more of that, it’s okay to talk, it’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to be in a bad place. Talking normally ends up in help, whether you need a lot of help or someone to give you a kick up the backside.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of a primary transfer target, with reports suggesting the club has pulled the plug on a potential January deal.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Tottenham Hotspur were stepping up their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, with the club said to be making an aggressive push for the Bournemouth star.

However, it was also made clear that the winger will have the final say on his future destination, given the plethora of options at his disposal.

Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are also reported to all be firmly in the race for Semenyo when his reported £65m release clause becomes active in January.

Tottenham end Antoine Semenyo pursuit ahead of winter window

Tottenham supporters have recently expressed doubt regarding their club’s ability to land Semenyo ahead of the other sides currently sitting at the top of the table.

The Ghanaian winger has hit double figures for goals and assists this season in the Premier League and would greatly improve the forward line of any top-flight side.

Fabrizio Romano has now provided a definitive update on the pursuit ahead of the winter window, stating that Tottenham are no longer advancing for Semenyo as of today.

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Savinho could re-emerge as an option for Spurs

This development leaves the race open for Manchester City, Manchester United, or Liverpool and comes as a shock following reports earlier today that claimed that Spurs fancied their chances of landing Semenyo in the winter window.

Tottenham will now have to turn their attention to alternatives if they look to strengthen their wide areas this winter.

Tthe club had been linked with a move for Savinho last summer, but a determined City refused to let the Brazil international depart the Etihad Stadium.

If Pep Guardiola’s side is looking to strengthen their own wide areas with Semenyo, perhaps it could open up an opportunity for Tottenham to finally snap up Savinho.

Thomas Frank has issued a staunch defence of his Tottenham Hotspur players, Archie Gray and Guglielmo Vicario, following the individual errors that cost Spurs dear against Nottingham Forest.

Thomas Frank is not one to shy away from making changes to his squad ahead of matches, as has been evident so far during his tenure in north London.

The manager’s starting lineups are notoriously difficult to predict as he often mixes things up and looks to keep things fresh within the side.

However, in the last three games, one man has remained a constant figure, and that is Archie Gray, who has maintained a role as one of the pivots in the Tottenham midfield.

Thomas Frank backs Archie Grey’s mentality in a Tottenham shirt

Gray’s outing last time out did not go according to plan, as the teenager’s first-half error proved costly against Nottingham Forest, leading directly to the first of their three goals.

Frank has now addressed the midfielder’s mistake from last weekend, handing out praise to the youngster for his reaction to the setback during his pre-match press conference.

“He has been good,” the Spurs boss told the official Tottenham channel. “He wanted the ball back instantly after the mistake. I like that mentality. Everyone who has played football at this level has made a mistake.”

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Frank clarifies Guglielmo Vicario’s role in howler filled Forest display

It remains to be seen if the midfielder will keep his spot in the starting XI against Liverpool, although we have predicted the return of the double pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur against the Reds.

Frank also spoke up about Guglielmo Vicario, who has looked shaky at times this season. The Italian was the one who played the pass to Gray at the weekend, which invited pressure on the midfielder.

Last weekend was not the only time when Vicario’s passing has led directly to a goal, as his poor clearance against Fulham a few weeks ago proved costly.

Speaking on the Italian’s errors of late, Frank explained: “It is two completely different situations, one is a missed clearance which happens, the other one is more on Archie, he knows it is one-touch bounce.

“It is a situation we have seen a thousand times in England and across Europe.”

A new report has shed light on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of winning the race for Antoine Semenyo as the competition for his signature intensifies ahead of the January transfer window.

The race for Semenyo is undoubtedly set to dominate the headlines leading up to and during the January transfer window after his £65m release clause came to light.

Tottenham are competing against some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League for the Bournemouth star, but that has not deterred them.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Spurs are making an aggressive push to land Semenyo. Despite these reports, not many Tottenham fans believe that the club can win the race for Semenyo.

Tottenham willing to make Antoine Semenyo a very attractive proposal

FlashScore have now provided the latest on the winger’s future, revealing that a four-horse race is developing between Tottenham Hotspur, Man City, Liverpool and Man United for the Ghana international.

The outlet says that signing a wide-forward remains a priority for Spurs, who are willing to cash in on Brennan Johson, and Semenyo is seen by the North London club as an option to play on both flanks.

Tottenham believe they can give themselves a chance of winning the race for the Cherries star by making a ‘very attractive personal offer’ for the player.

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However, the outlet says that Spurs’ pursuit of the winger appears challenging, given that the club are in a period of transition at the moment.

Spurs’ Semenyo pursuit could depend on Mohammed Salah’s decision

Flashscore say that out of the four clubs in the race, Liverpool are a ‘particularly attractive option’ for Semenyo, who is thought to view a move to Anfield favourably.

The Reds sporting director Richard Hughes has worked with the winger at Bournemouth and could play an important role in attracting the player to Merseyside.

However, the report adds that Liverpool’s move for Semenyo could depend on whether Mohammed Salah leaves the club in January.

If Salah’s situation is not resolved quickly, Tottenham and other rival clubs could seize the opportunity to press ahead with offers to the 25-year-old.

Thomas Frank has now sent a direct message to Tottenham Hotspur supporters ahead of the crucial clash against Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are losing their patience with manager Thomas Frank following a series of poor displays in recent weeks.

Many supporters have reacted negatively to the club’s stance on remaining patient with the Dane, as a significant section of the fanbase remains unconvinced he is the right man for the job.

However, the former Brentford manager will need the supporters right behind him if he is to turn things around in north London.

Thomas Frank sends a message to Tottenham fans

Up next for Tottenham is a big clash against Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both sides have struggled in the past month, but it is Spurs coming into this in worse form, having won just once in their last seven league outings.

Frank has now opted to send a message to Tottenham fans ahead of the weekend encounter as he looks to galvanise the crowd.

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The Spurs boss addressed the fanbase directly, speaking to the official Tottenham channel, acknowledging the privilege of his role while promising to dedicate every waking hour to rectifying the current slump.

“I would say to the Spurs fans, it is a privilege to be a part of this fantastic club with fantastic potential. We want to fulfil that. I’m working 24/7 to make sure we get everything right,” the Tottenham manager said.

Spurs Performances under Thomas Frank must match the club’s ethos

Spurs supporters want Frank to succeed, but the manager must understand what it means to be in charge of the Lilywhites.

‘To Dare Is To Do’ represents the fabric of Spurs, but performances under Frank in some games this season have been anything but daring.

That has to change if he is to get the fans on his side. The Dane simply needs to give supporters something to hope for and something to believe in, which means avoiding being outplayed and outmuscled.

If he can take the game to Liverpool, compete, and avoid a drubbing, then some hope will definitely be restored in north London.

Thomas Frank has now addressed his current standing with the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy amid pressure from fans following Spurs’ poor run of form.

Thomas Frank is a man under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur, given the poor run of results at the club in recent months.

A once-strong start in August has quickly taken a turn for the worse, with Tottenham securing just one win in their last seven outings in the Premier League.

Despite the poor run of form, however, it has been reported that the Tottenham board are looking to avoid a knee-jerk decision on Frank and is instead choosing to remain patient with the former Brentford manager.

Thomas Frank addresses Tottenham board support amid poor results

The Tottenham boss has now opened up on how his relationship with the Spurs hierarchy stands coming into the weekend clash.

Tottenham are coming up against Liverpool at the weekend, and that in itself poses a difficult test, as defeat could see 11th-placed Spurs slip further down the table.

Frank will be desperately looking to avoid that scenario, with his focus set firmly on improving performances on the pitch.

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“I feel supported,” Frank told the official Tottenham channels. “I have felt that the whole time. My mind has not changed. We are building. I have said it many times, I am most critical of myself but we have a lot of people that need to perform.”

Frank reveals how long it will take to fix things at Spurs

When pressed on the timeline required to rectify the current slump, Frank expressed confidence that he is the right man for the job.

“I am very comfortable and confident that I will fix it but it is not just me, when this club comes out on top, there will be many good people working together and aligned for years,” he said.

“We have not seen any club be successful with key people making the right decisions at the right time. If you want success, you need the right people aligned at the right time. There will be good times, there will be bad.”

Thomas Frank has provided a fitness update regarding his squad, confirming that Tottenham Hotspur will be without several key figures for the visit of Liverpool.

Two sides who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks lock horns on Saturday evening as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool to north London.

It is Spurs who are desperate for a victory here, however, as Thomas Frank remains under intense pressure to turn things around following a winless November and a run of just one win in his last five Premier League outings.

Liverpool provides a stern test for the Dane, who possesses a dismal record of one win in eight matches against the Reds, having lost six times during his tenure with former club Brentford.

Nevertheless, he will be hoping for a significant improvement on that record now that he is in the Tottenham dugout.

Frank has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham side ahead of their encounter with Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Spurs manager is set to be without several senior players, with Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison all sidelined.

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Destiny Udogie is ruled out until the new year, while Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai are continuing to work their way back to full fitness.

Pape Matar Sarr is unavailable for this clash as he has linked up with the Senegal national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, while Yves Bissouma has received a call-up despite not featuring for Spurs in a competitive game so far this season.

Frank has now spoken to the official Tottenham channel and provided an injury update on his Tottenham squad ahead of Saturday’s game.

He said: “Everyone is doing fine. Last game, it’s the same players available. No one new is available in the squad.”

Arne Slot has provided an injury update ahead of Liverpool’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur, confirming a potential boost regarding three key players.

Thomas Frank will be hoping for a response when his side takes on Liverpool on Saturday evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, following his side’s 3-0 defeat last weekend to Nottingham Forest.

The Reds come into this encounter off the back of a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches tomorrow.

Tottenham, on the other hand, will be looking to improve on their dismal run of just one win in seven league games, but they will now have to do so against a rejuvenated Liverpool side.

Arne Slot confirms fitness of three Liverpool stars vs Tottenham

We reported yesterday that Tottenham had been handed an apparent injury boost as a few Liverpool stars were set to be doubts for the clash because of fitness issues.

However, Arne Slot’s recent press conference has now handed the Reds a significant lift, as their top player so far this season, Dominik Szoboszlai, could feature if he is “completely fit,” despite reports suggesting he could miss out on Saturday.

Joe Gomez and Mohamed Salah remain unavailable, with the latter away for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Gomez is still nursing a hamstring problem.

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Cody Gakpo is also set to miss out against Tottenham, while Conor Bradley should fill in for the injured Gomez at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong also back from injury.

Spurs are capable of a rare upset against Liverpool

A clash against Liverpool is never an easy assignment, whether they arrive with a fully fit squad or a depleted team.

Last season Slot’s side completed the league double over Tottenham, scoring a ridiculous 15 goals across four clashes against the Lilywhites in all competitions.

Chris Sutton understands Thomas Frank’s anger at his Tottenham players and has predicted how the Lilywhites will fare against Liverpool.

Under normal circumstances, Spurs fans would be excited ahead of the visit of another ‘big six’ side to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, there is barely any of that ahead of Saturday’s game, mainly down to how poor the North Londoners have been against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and others this season.

Tottenham are coming off two back-to-back home wins, but the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend has turned up the pressure again on Thomas Frank.

Chris Sutton understands why Tottenham fans are concerned

Frank was extremely scathing of his side’s performance against Forest, and Sutton suggested that the Dane’s feelings were justified, given how lacklustre his players were at the City Ground.

The pundit also opined that Tottenham fans will want to see their side produce a good performance against a decent side like Liverpool before they get off their head coach’s back.

Speaking ahead of the Reds’ visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the former Celtic striker told BBC Sport: “It is normally a good game when these two sides meet, but going into it this time, I suppose both sets of supporters are unsure how their team will perform. At Tottenham, poor Thomas Frank is having a tough time of it.

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“He was so furious after their defeat at Nottingham Forest that he said it felt like there was a hurricane inside him. I can understand why he is so angry, because Spurs were so limp and offered so little in that game.

“If you look at where they are in the table, 11th, then they are doing all right, but it is their performances that are lacking something. They have never really found any fluency under Frank.

“They did win their past two home games and Frank can cling on to that but, the way Spurs fans are, they are probably thinking: ‘It was only against Brentford and Slavia Prague. Winning this game would be far more of a statement.”

Sutton expects Spurs to get a result against Liverpool

Sutton admitted that he has no confidence in Tottenham to produce a decent showing in front of their fans on Sunday.

However, the 52-year-old confessed that he also has similar feelings about Arne Slot’s side, which is why he backed the Lilywhites to hold the away side to a score draw.

Sutton added: “Even though Mohamed Salah has left for Afcon, there are still questions over Liverpool too. Brighton had their moments last week, and it was not entirely comfortable for Arne Slot’s side, although I thought Hugo Ekitike was excellent.

“Liverpool could have another problem at right-back because Joe Gomez came off injured in that game. Dominik Szoboszlai has been their best player, in midfield, so if he recovers from the knock he picked up against the Seagulls but has to slot back in there, it would be a bit of a blow.

“I certainly don’t trust Spurs to turn up, but I don’t think you can fully trust Liverpool again either, especially away from home in the Premier League. Because of all of that, I can’t back either of them to win it.”

Tottenham fans will take some confidence from Jamie Carragher’s prediction on how the game against Liverpool on Saturday will unfold.

Both Spurs and Liverpool are desperately trying to arrest their slide, and the two managers would be aware that they cannot afford to lose on Saturday.

Tottenham fans are disgruntled with the club’s patience with Frank, with many believing that the Dane is not the right man for the job.

Reports indicate that Frank is also losing support among the Spurs hierarchy, but Carragher believes there is every chance they can create an upset this weekend.

Jamie Carragher can see Tottenham beating Liverpool

Carragher admitted that Liverpool have shown signs of improvement over recent weeks and suggested that they will win if they play at their best.

However, the pundit expects a really tight contest and admitted that he can see Spurs emerging with three points.

When asked to predict the result, Carragher said on An Echo of Glory podcast: “I’m not sure, to be honest, because I know Tottenham’s record at home is horrific and obviously just lost a bad game against Nottingham Forest. I never liked the team we’re playing, losing the game before they play, as it almost feels like they’ve got to come out and show something or do something to get a bit of a reaction.

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“Liverpool have got injury problems. I don’t know exactly what they are right now, but Liverpool’s bench at the moment is not great, and I think he picked up a couple of knocks in the last game as well. “I think what Liverpool’s eleven will be, will be a really good eleven as in, the names on paper, but I don’t think it’ll do much to change the game, and it’s just whether that eleven can go on and beat Tottenham.

“I think if Liverpool play really well, I think they’ll win the game, but I don’t think it’ll take a lot for Tottenham [to win], so when they understand what I mean, I don’t think Tottenham have to be amazing, and it’ll be this amazing victory.

“Liverpool, even against Brighton, conceded chances, and they’re just almost every game it just feels like it’s getting better, slowly, trying to build a little bit of confidence.

“I think it will be a really good game. It’s a game I always look forward to this, especially at your place. It makes it a little bit more of a leveller, you expect Liverpool to win at Anfield, but I think at Tottenham, we always produce good games and just hopefully VAR are doing the job.”

Spurs may enjoy playing against Liverpool

Tottenham have struggled to create chances against teams that defend in a low block, especially at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

We know that Arne Slot’s men will commit bodies forward in attack, and that may actually make Spurs more threatening on the counter-attack.

However, if we see the Lilywhites struggle to create chances again and suffer another heavy defeat, the atmosphere at the stadium will turn even more toxic and may leave Tottenham with no choice but to make a managerial change.